Glasgow studio becomes one of the first to offer 3D print service

Hobs Studio has invested heavily in 3D equipment, including full-colour 3D printers and laser scanners, as it seeks to capitalise on the growing demand for the technology.

Demand for 3D printing services is soaring from architects and industries such as construction, oil and gas and renewables thanks to its ability to radically cut project durations.

The technology is also credited with improving business relationships, for example by removing from architects the challenge of communicating complex drawings to clients.

The facilities available at Hobs' studio allow 3D files be printed and delivered within 24 hours.

Four staff are currently employed directly in the 3D studio in Glasgow, but that number is expected to double in the next 18 months as demand for the services grow.

The studio is based in the existing Hobs Reprographic's office in Glasgow's Woodlands Road, which has been extended to 916 square feet as part of the investment. Between 25 and 30 staff are typically employed at the Glasgow office in total.

Liverpool-based Hobs, which began life as a traditional printer in 1969, first looked at moving into 3D eight or nine years ago. But it was not until around four years ago that it began to commercially exploit the market because the technology to allow clients to produce 3D files was not readily available.

The privately-owned company, chaired by Kieran O'Brien, moved into the 3D market in earnest three years ago under managing director Michelle Greeff, who has since presided over three office moves in London in light of "phenomenal" demand.

"We're the largest provider of 3D print machines in the UK already," said Hob's Glasgow-based director Stephen Lacey.

"We're the largest provider of services to architects and engineering by a long way. It has exploded on us. London has grown from 500 square feet to 2000 square feet. We now have nine print machines running 24-7."

Mr Lacey, who noted that Hobs offers 3D services in Manchester and Bristol, expects that demand in Glasgow will ultimately necessitate a move to even bigger premises.

"Now that the architects and engineers are really getting their heads around it, they are now producing data we can print in a better way," he said.

Mr Lacey also noted the opportunity in the shape of government legislation, which calls for architects and construction companies to adopt BIM (Building Information Modelling). Hobs' 3D services support that new way of working, the company said.

Mr Lacey said 3D printing allows architects and builders to more clearly clients a much clearer illustration of what projects will ultimately look like. As well as seeing the 3D visualisation, clients can be taken on 3D virtual tours, giving them even more insight into what a building will look like inside and function.

But he said the power of 3D printing to reduce build cycles is the biggest benefit. Mr Lacey noted: "If you have everything built in 3D from scratch, you make things quicker and they are more accurate.

"If it's done in 2D drawings, the plumber's pipe clashes with the ventilation pipe. If it's done in 3D, those clashes are all removed.

"The whole concept is 3D means shorter and more accurate build cycles, which reduces cost."

Hobs is currently working with construction giant Kier Group on the refurbishment of Marr College in Kilmarnock. Hobs has scanned existing buildings in 3D, which will assist with the process of demolishing existing buildings and putting new structures up.

Scottish landmarks such as the Forth Rail Bridge, Balmoral Castle and the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow's Royal Exchange Square, complete with traffic cones, have been printed in 3D format to commemorate the launch.

While 3D Systems is currently the biggest manufacturer by far, he said the major printing manufacturers such as Canon are moving into the market in a significant, suggesting that Hewlett-Packard would be the one to "bring 3D printing to the home."